40+wonderful Embroidery tools and materials you (may) need for embroidering

Embroidery is beautiful. The process of embroidery is even more so - it is calming,therapeutic, a medicine for the distressed soul. In my opinion everyone should take up embroidery. It makes everyone a creator with just a few supplies - A small piece of fabric ( for an embroidered handkerchief) and a few colored embroidery thread and needle are basically all you need for creating these fantastic designs which come alive literally before your eyes with a little bit of passion and a little bit of careful sewing.But it is still nice to have some extra tools.

Tracing paper

Fabric

Embroidery hoop

The embroidery hoop which stretches the cloth appropriately is available in many sizes . In hand embroidery we use a circular hoop where as in machine embroidery it is mostly a rectangular shaped hoop that is used.Checkout the post on the different types of hoops and frames used in embroidery

Ruler

I have an 18 inch see through plastic ruler and a small one which fits inside my hoop

Thimble

For keeping your fingers safe from the pricking needles and prevent blood staining on embroidery

What are the extra embroidery supplies & tools which are nice to have

Chenille needles

These are sharp pointed needles with thin long eye and you can do generally all types of embroidery with this .

Drawing materials

Drawing-boards, drawing-pins, a variety of card and paper and drawing and colouring materials

Dressmaker's Pins

Ensure that you have the sharpest and finest ( without rust) as otherwise your fabric will be marred ; Safety pins also come useful

Templates

Embroidery patterns

Buyable patterns which can be transferred to the fabric . There are even pre-printed fabric available in the market those who are eager to get on with the embroidery

Thread snips

These small snips helps in cutting extra threads out

Measuring instruments

Measuring instruments—set square, protractor, compass, ruler, etc

Books

Reference books for embroidery techniques and designs

Thread organizers

Tangled messy thread is a nightmare all embroidery enthusiast is familiar with. Small cardboard organiser to wind the extra thread and boxes to keep the thread neatly are very nice to have.

Magnifiers

If you have trouble seeing small stitches or just want to see the delicate work upclose these are handy tools to have .

Applique scissors

This scissors is shaped like a duck bill and halps in cutting applique without damaging nearby fabric

Hand towels

Keep the hands clean for your work to be spotless. Keep towels or paper tissues handy

Fray check

This is an alternative to finish the edges of the fabric . You can use this on thread ends too

Micro tip scissors

These small scissors have a very sharp point at the tip and big rings for your fingers .

Pin cushion

Keeps the needles handy and safe

Seam ripper

Hopefully you wouldnot be using it but if a mistake is made you need the tool to rip the stitches open

Tweezers

These have angled ends and help in picking stitches with precision. Also helps to pick small beads crystal and sequins

Laying tool

This is a long needle like tool which helps in laying the thread easy

Special embroidery techniques call for specific types of tools and equipment. If you are interested in a specific type of embroidery try to get hold of these tools for a successful attempt

Gold work

Metal threads, velvet-lined box for cut pieces, mullore for straightening and bending wire, and, shellac for painting over the wire when embroidery is complete.For zardosi work you can buy the special zardosi needle